Jimmy was appointed to the Foundation Board in July 2021.

He lives in Awakeri on a lifestyle block with his wife Tracey and their two boys Ethan  & Jacson . Jimmy was born in Whakatane and raised in Edgecumbe and is passionate about the Eastern Bay. In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking, fishing, diving, hunting and being active.

Jimmy trained with Foodstuffs NZ in their trainee operator programme, after starting out as a 'trolley boy' at 15, and working his way through the many levels of the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) trade in various locations, before purchasing his own store in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Jimmy and Tracey owned Opotiki New World for 11 years and during that time were able to contribute significant support to the community of Opotiki through their sponsorship of events, individuals, schools, teams and local projects.  Jimmy is now actively involved with Awakeri School and Whakatane High School as a coach and supporter of  the sports teams that their boys are involved with.

As Trustee of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, Jimmy has pledged to contribute to our community and is making a difference in the Marketing and Distributions and Grants Committees.